Approximately 84 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1297 at Libbey Glass in Toledo will begin a strike at 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, August 22. The decision comes after union members rejected the company’s most recent contract proposal on August 9 and cited concerns about pay, mandatory overtime, loss of rights and protections, and increased health insurance costs.
Union representatives stated that company leadership failed to bargain in good faith or offer an improved contract after the previous one was turned down by employees. The union claims that these actions constitute unfair labor practices.
“IAM Local 1297 members have made tremendous sacrifices for this company after it came out of bankruptcy and liquidation in 2020,” said IAM District 54 President and Directing Business Representative T. Dean Wright, Jr. “These members, their families and this community have been left with no choice but to take to the streets to protest the company’s unfair labor practices, protect the members’ rights and demand fairness, respect and dignity.”
David Sullivan, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President, added: “The entire IAM Union stands united with our Local 1297 members at Libbey Glass. We are committed to winning a fair contract that reflects the skill, sacrifice and value our members bring to this company every single day.”
